Chapter 9

At the age of ten, I am faced with one of the most critical choices in my life. After winning the national title three years in a row, I have been labeled a prodigy and slotted to go to a fifth this year. With that title also comes fame, glory, and jealousy. Now, I try my best not to have a snobby attitude toward anyone as I would not have liked anyone treating me that way, but by being the best, you naturally will have haters. Anyway, I digress. 

The decision in front of me now is piled on our living room coffee table in numerous envelopes. Inside those envelopes were invitations to prestigious Soccer (Football) Academies worldwide, including Benfica, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Ajax. 

What I wanted was very clear to me. I want to play in Europe because that is where the best Futbol in the world is played. I want to play in England, specifically in the Premier League, one day because it's the best league in the world. And I want to play for a team with a real shot at winning multiple trophies. I understand that I will not always get what I want, but I am willing to put my head down and work hard to get where I need to be. I have played as a number 10 for my soccer teams, but my true passion lay in defense; the crisp cutting of the grass when you slide into a tackle, the frustration on an offensive diva when you take the ball away; these were the things that bring me the utmost joy. Scoring a goal is fine; even an assist is pleasant, but honestly, I want to be a 6 with all my heart. 

Considering these things and my being on the red team (the rivalry between red and blue shirt clubs was poignant until the Premier League era, when just looking good became more important), my options are narrowed considerably. 

After a few hours of sorting, I had a significantly small pile of options: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Fulham, Aston Villa, West Ham United, and Nottingham Forest. All teams I know will be strong in the Premier League in the future, including Nottingham Forest, because I am a fan. 

Hmm.. decisions, decisions. 

Two Months Later

I wipe the seat off my brow and bend over to pick up my water bottle. The practice was intense today as I decided I was strong enough to start wearing weights on my arms, legs, and torso. The chaffing was terrible, and I had to readjust the straps the whole time, but it will be worth it in the long run. 

I also started doing penalty kick practice for real after we lost the National Championship last month. The score was four to four after extra time, and when we went to penalties, I was the only one on our team to score it. This made me remember the importance of penalties, so at the end of practice, I spent 30 minutes on just Penalties. Ten kicks in a row to the top left and top right, alternating, followed by ten kicks while blindfolded after placing the ball. This will make it easier for me to see the Goalkeeper and not just see only the ball when doing Penalties. 

I have already notified the coach for the Under 12 Team that I will be leaving the organization in August as my family is moving to England this summer. My parents.. might secretly be angels sent by Samsara to help me. They do everything they can to help me follow my dreams, and I thank them every morning. I also pray to Samsara, thanking her for the new life I have been given. My goal celebration is to give thanks and praise to Samsara before bowing to my family in the stands. 

Once my legs are more muscular, I will add free kicks to my practice. That might be part of the training at the Academy. I am so excited!